Rodri’s Spain return faces fresh hurdle as Barcelona revive interest

Negotiations between Real Madrid and Manchester City midfielder Rodri have become increasingly complicated, with disagreements over contract terms threatening to derail the transfer and Barcelona now preparing to re-enter the race.

Real Madrid had appeared to be the leading contenders to sign the Spain international after reports on Wednesday suggested Barcelona had withdrawn from the competition. That development seemed to clear the way for the Spanish giants to pursue the player widely regarded as the best footballer at the 2026 World Cup.

However, according to transfer-market publication Foot Mercato, citing Spanish newspaper Sport, Rodri has reservations about the financial package offered by Real Madrid. Although the 30-year-old has given preliminary approval to a four-year contract, the terms have not yet met his expectations.

The negotiations have reportedly become tense, with the player seeking improved financial conditions. Rodri is keen to return to La Liga, but is not prepared to accept any offer simply to secure a move back to Spain.

The uncertainty has left Real Madrid’s proposed deal at risk of breaking down. The club had switched its focus to Rodri after moving close to completing the signing of Ivorian defender Yan Diomande, in what had been described as one of the more complicated transfers of the summer.

Barcelona reopen talks

Barcelona have now decided to make a serious attempt to sign the Manchester City player, reviving an interest that had existed within the club before the World Cup.

Journalist Ben Jacobs said Barcelona had already begun discussions about Rodri and were preparing to submit a formal offer. That approach will come despite Manchester City’s determination to keep hold of one of their most important players.

Jacobs added that Real Madrid had been considered the favourites to complete the transfer, but Barcelona also offered an attractive destination for Rodri. The midfielder is understood to favour a return to Spain for both sporting and family reasons.

The situation has also been complicated by the difference between Manchester City’s valuation and Real Madrid’s spending limits. Reports claim City would demand between 75m and 80m euros before agreeing to sell Rodri.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, are not expected to go beyond a proposed range of 50m to 60m euros. That gap means the three clubs face a difficult set of negotiations, particularly with Barcelona now seeking to challenge Real Madrid’s position.

Real Madrid rethink Rodri plans

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was initially not enthusiastic about pursuing Rodri, according to reports in Spain. Concerns about the player’s age and his history of injuries were among the factors that led the club to question whether the transfer represented the right investment.

The club’s stance changed after Rodri’s performances, particularly following his recognition as the best player at the latest World Cup. His form persuaded Real Madrid officials to reconsider their position and make him a central target.

Despite that renewed interest, the proposed move is now far from certain. Rodri’s desire to return to Spanish football remains clear, but his demands, City’s asking price and Barcelona’s renewed involvement have combined to leave the midfielder’s next club unresolved.